Title: Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe:
A Crispy and Creamy Delight for Dinner
Introduction: Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless, elegant dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. This classic recipe is perfect for any special occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday meal, or simply craving a comforting yet gourmet dinner at home. Although it might seem fancy, this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s sure to impress your family and guests alike. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a meal that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfectly Crispy & Creamy: The crispy breadcrumb coating pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and tender chicken.
- Customizable: You can adjust the type of cheese or ham to your liking, making it versatile for all tastes.
- Impressive: While it looks elegant and gourmet, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a more robust flavor)
- 4 slices of deli ham (or prosciutto for a richer taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for the egg wash)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu: Lay each chicken breast flat. On one side of each breast, place one slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Roll up the chicken tightly, ensuring the ham and cheese stay inside. You can secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. Crack Chicken Tenders
Step 2: Dredging and Coating
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour, seasoning it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme (optional).
- Coat the Chicken: First, dredge each chicken roll in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter will give you both flavor and a crispy texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Once the oil and butter are hot, add the chicken rolls to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crispy crust should form on the outside, while the cheese inside melts into a creamy, gooey filling. Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the Cream Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until the sauce begins to simmer and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken, then remove from the heat.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the toothpicks (if used) and transfer the rolls to serving plates.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon the creamy mustard sauce over the top of each chicken roll, ensuring each piece gets a generous helping of the creamy goodness.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve immediately.
Additional Tips:
- Substitute for Cheese: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, you can swap it out for Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken rolls in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying them.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a large skillet or cook in batches.
- Serving Ideas: Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion: Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, indulgent dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a flavorful dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, is an irresistible combination. With the creamy Dijon mustard sauce drizzled on top, this dish becomes even more decadent and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, Chicken Cordon Bleu never fails to satisfy. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta